Iraq: Death toll in suicide attack hits 18

BAGHDAD 
Iraqi officials have raised the death toll in a suicide attack against anti-al-Qaida fighters north of Baghdad to 18.

Two police officers say the suicide bomber, who detonated his explosives belt on Monday among a group of pro-government militiamen, killed at least 18 and wounding 42.

The men targeted by the bomber were gathering to collect their salaries outside one of their headquarters in the town of Taji.

Three medical officials confirmed the casualties. All officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they are not authorized to release information to the media.

The blast comes a day after several suicide attackers on foot and in two explosives-laden cars hit a provincial police headquarters in Kirkuk, also north of Baghdad, killing at least 15 people and wounding 90.